History

The Bronze Star was established by President Franklin Roosevelt by Executive Order on February 4, 1944. The Star is presented by the Secretary of Homeland, or another military department, to any person who served in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States who has distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious service and achievement that does not merit that award of a Silver Star or Legion of Merit in ground combat since December 6, 1941. Service performed in actions against an enemy of the State, in military operations with conflict with an opposing force, and with allied nations in armed conflict with an opposing force in which the United States is not a hostile party, is eligible for recognition of the award. Only service members in combat zones who are receiving imminent danger pay are eligible.

In 1947, retroactive awards of the Star were made to recipients of the Combat Infantryman Badge or the Combat Medical Badge during the First World War. The award is also presented to each member of the United States Armed Forces who has been cited in orders or awarded a certificate for exemplary conduct in ground combat against an armed enemy between December 7, 1942, and September 2, 1945. In 1962, the award of the Star was expanded to include members of the Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations who served with or alongside the United States Armed Forces. Civilians may also be eligible for the award.

An oak leaf emblem is worn on the ribbon to denote subsequent awards of the Bronze Star for members of the Army and Air Force while a star emblem is worn on the ribbon to denote additional awards of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. A "V Device" is worn on the ribbon of Army and Air Force recipients of the Bronze Star who received the award in recognition of acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy or in combat. A "Combat V" is worn on the ribbon of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard recipients of the Bronze Star who received the award in recognition of combat heroism or exposure to personnel hazard during direct participation in combat operations. Only 1 "V" clasp was authorized to be worn on the ribbon and suspension.